The events, held on the first Tuesday of each month, now regularly attract up to 150 people from across the borough and offer a range of services including access to a podiatrist, flu and covid vaccinations, and general health checks.
Over the last 12 months the team has managed to secure a growing range of services which have included representatives from Specsavers who recently spotted two cases of undiagnosed glaucoma which could, untreated, have caused blindness, with those people now referred on to their GP for treatment.
Alongside health services, others are supporting people with the cost-of-living crisis, with energy vouchers regularly given out as well as sim cards, phones and tablets and access to the internet for those that need it. Kingston Council staff are also on hand to help council tenants with advice around household support, housing and benefits.
Kate Kenyon, founder of RBKares, said: “It is exciting to have seen our wellbeing days go from strength to strength over the last year, but we couldn’t do any of it without all those that volunteer their time and energy. We are able to offer services that literally help our attendees from head to toe, with podiatry, mental health services and general health checks alongside information to help those struggling amid rising living costs. As a charity we remain committed to making Kingston a better, kinder community.”
We are able to offer services that literally help our attendees from head to toe, with podiatry, mental health services and general health checks alongside information to help those struggling amid rising living costs. As a charity we remain committed to making Kingston a better, kinder community.”
Kate Kenyon, founder of RBKares
The most recent addition to the event is mobile dental bus, which is badly needed by the community. Kate explained: “We have attendees who are really suffering with their dental health so this has the potential to improve lives in a very real way. The bus will be coming along on a different day to start with, but I hope this is something we can offer to the group more regularly in the future.”
Jo Farrar, executive lead for Kingston place, said: “I would like to thank RBKares for running these sessions for a whole year. It is exciting to see how much can be done when partnership working is at the core, with a passion for improving the health and wellbeing of a community. Colleagues across the system, combined with the mighty force of volunteers, are making such a difference to people living in this area.”
The monthly wellbeing events run out of Queen Mary Hall, Cambridge Gardens, Norbiton, KT1 3NJ, 11am to 2pm. A foodbank and hot lunch is also available at the site.